The 2015 Ralph Lauren RL Automotive Skeleton

Watches have always a lot to talk about in the men’s fashion industry. Keeping that in mind, Ralph Lauren has made a remarkable turnaround by developing such a niche product, five new watches this time. Inspired by his own 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Coupe, the underpinning concept to develop these watches is both the elegance and durability of unmatchable standards.

His genius is his ability to turn complexity into simplicity. The unprecedented outlook with an Amboyna wood bezel and black gunmetal steel case is literally what makes it stand out in a crowd. But, it’s not all, yet the very first impression, which must always be inspirational.

The most prominent feature of the Ralph Lauren Automotive Collection 2015 is the brand’s first open-worked timepiece, the RL Automotive Skeleton

The movement reveals the intricate mechanics of the watch – always mesmerizing to see we’d say. All of Ralph Lauren’s inspiration from his super automobile’s interior can be clearly seen in this timeless watch, Amboyna burl wood for example, which is commonly used in the instrument panels of high end vehicles.

Just like Bugatti Type 57SC, the Ralph Lauren RL Automotive Skeleton watch is also completely hand-made. Only an expert and subtle craftsman can hand-cut the hardwood to reveal the true intricate grain patterns and power of colors. And this duty is performed with immense love for horology in this case. The watch is presented in a 44.8 mm wide and 11.20 mm thick case and is powered by an IWC hand wound mechanical movement. That allows it to run at a tremendous frequency of 18,000 vibrations/hour with a 45 hour power reserve.

The stand-out design chemistry tells it all, when we observe the two locations at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock. A matte black azuré subdial with a beautiful RL logo at 12 O’Clock, and the 6 o’clock position, we see a decentralized seconds subdial featuring Arabic numerals. Ralph Lauren has sensibly bridged the horological and automotive worlds.

Well, the $50k tag is not something that will please everyone. But nevertheless, you’ve gotta dig the logic that the true watch is inspired by a $40M car. That’s right, it’s a luxury!